Maritime training exercise held by RBDF commando squadron

Bahamas: In keeping with the organization’s Maritime Security Plan, which focuses on decentralized, intelligence-driven, and joint maritime interdiction operations, members of the Commando Squadron Department recently participated one-day training exercise at the Defence Force Base.

On Monday, 16 April 2021, Defence Force Personnel and French counterparts from the French Naval Ship (FS) Dumont D’Urville began their operation with French Divers conducting pier surveys alongside the jetties. This was followed by a French Beach Landing Craft being deployed to an area adjacent to the Defence Force Base. RBDF Marines embarked the vessel and briefly departed the harbour to simulate an insertion operation.

Members of the Commando Squadron unit proceeded to the Armored Passenger Vehicle (APV) to conduct a room clearance exercise onboard HMBS CORAL HARBOUR. This simulation operation was videotaped by the RBDF Public Relations Department in collaboration with the French Combat Camera personnel and aerial coverage by a drone deployed by Swift Tactical Systems.

The FS Dumont D’Urville is responsible for rendering humanitarian assistance to Caribbean countries in times of natural disasters. They conduct offshore aid as well as anti-pollution operations.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to interoperability and compatible security operations with regional and international partner nations while Guarding Our Heritage.

Besides this, Retired Chief Petty Officer Anthony Hanna shares his account of what happened after he learned about the sinking of The HMBS Flamingo on May 10, 1980, which resulted in 4 marines being lost at sea. Those marines were Able Seaman Fenrick Sturrup, Marine Seaman Austin Smith, Marine Seaman David Tucker and Marine Seaman Edward Williams.

Recently, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force extends sincerest condolences to the family of the late Force Chief Petty Officer (Retired) William Miller, who passed away on 26 April 2021.

Force Chief Petty Officer Miller became one of the pioneers of a fledgeling Defence Force when he officially transferred from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marine Division in November 1980 to join his comrades who joined in March 1980. He, along with twenty-seven pioneering individuals, formed the nucleus of a newly formed Defence Force.